Abstract
The geochemical record of human impact within three archaeological sites in SE Poland was analysed. The total levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and P were defined. The content of the studied elements was found to be higher than the determined geochemical background. In all cases, significantly higher concentrations (2–3 times) of trace metals were found in sediments filling small depressions and foot-slope locations. These concentrations were often higher than in the profiles within the archaeological objects. The vertical distributions of elements were also different from soil profiles located on flat surfaces. The study thus confirms that microtopography and soil erosion may impact (diversify) the initial horizontal and vertical variation of geochemistry of soils within archaeological sites caused by human activity. This should be taken into account when using geochemical prospecting in archaeological studies in areas with varied topography.
Highlights
Geochemical prospecting is a noninvasive method of detecting and surveying archaeological sites and features
In the case of archaeological sites located in areas with varied topography, the original distribution of elements can be disrupted as a result of erosion occurring after the elements were introduced into the soil
Microtopography and erosion provides yet another challenge for using geochemical prospection in archaeology, alongside the problems indicated by Oonk et al (2009) such as the lack of a unified methodological approach, an accurate determination of the geochemical background, and a thorough understanding of the natural geochemical processes occurring in archaeological sites
Summary
Geochemical prospecting is a noninvasive method of detecting and surveying archaeological sites and features. Microtopography and geomorphological processes (mainly soil erosion) can impact the quality of the geochemical record of human activity (Wells et al 2000; Terry et al 2004; Szwarczewski 2005; Zgłobicki and Rodzik 2007). Microtopography and erosion provides yet another challenge for using geochemical prospection in archaeology, alongside the problems indicated by Oonk et al (2009) such as the lack of a unified methodological approach, an accurate determination of the geochemical background, and a thorough understanding of the natural geochemical processes occurring in archaeological sites. The selection of elements resulted from their common use in geochemical studies at archaeological sites (Aston et al 1998; Schlezinger and Howes 2000; Oonk et al 2009)
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